An Akure Customary Court in Ondo State has ended a 12-year marriage. The court cited persistent domestic violence and irreparable breakdown of the relationship.
Moradeke Babalola petitioned the court to dissolve her union with Temitope Babalola. She married him in December 2013 following all Yoruba Native Law and Custom requirements.
She told the court their relationship deteriorated after the wedding. What started as a year-long courtship became unbearable, she testified.
Moradeke said her husband's behavior turned abusive shortly after they wed. She eventually fled the matrimonial home in June 2025.
She presented evidence to support her claims. Wedding photographs and images showing injuries allegedly caused by her husband were submitted to court.
Her husband failed to show up for multiple hearings. His lawyer and family members also stayed away from the proceedings.
Court President A.S. Obademi noted the respondent had been given sufficient chances to defend himself.
He simply didn't take them, the judge observed.
Obademi cited legal precedent in making his ruling. The Newswatch Communications Ltd. v.
Attah case established that courts aren't at fault when parties neglect their opportunity for fair hearing.
Evidence of domestic violence was convincing, Obademi found. Both families had tried reconciliation but their efforts came to nothing.
Court records showed the couple had stopped living together long ago. They had produced no children during their marriage.
Obademi said the husband's absence spoke volumes. His apparent disinterest proved the marriage was beyond saving.
The judge dissolved the union with immediate effect. He stressed the decision would protect both parties from continued abuse and suffering.
Obademi emphasized that nobody should remain trapped in a harmful relationship. Dissolving the marriage was the only way forward, he said.
